The past two days have been interesting and educational experience. I think it is better not to bore you with information about the speakers too much.

Yesterday after some of the talks we had a CFI BBQ. They have no idea how to cook BBQs by the way, this is really an Australian-only expertise. They burn half a sausage and the other half is undercooked, unacceptable!

At the BBQ I spoke for quite a while with Jack Alpert. He is an interesting man with controversial views about population control. Basically he sees Climate Change as simply a result of overpopulation and solving Climate Change is only a short term solution. He is in favor of One Child Policies and even goes as far as to say that it should be made the law. I recognise this neccesity (one child per family), but still can't agree with making this a law. I think it sets too dangerous a precedent, with government being able to tell you what you must do with your private life, basically a breach of personal liberty. It is a difficult issue. He reminds me of the robot from I, Robot, 'my logic is undeniable', which is true, but takes away from what it means to be human.

I have spoken to almost all the participants in the course, from China, Russia, Canada and the USA and each have interesting views of the world that seem to be greatly effected by their country of birth, given that most of us have a similar level of education (albeit I have the least life experience being easily the youngest).

Tonight there was a public debate 'Does God Exist'. It was certainly of far greater standard to the 'debates' held in Australia, but I think that the central issue wasn't addressed enough and therefore a stalement appeared to result.